Two Pittsburgh natives turned global icons are in the spotlight this week, as A.I.M by Kyle Abraham returns and August Wilson’s Jitney takes the stage … from a team of Italian performers. Plus, take another trip to the future with 2001, even though that year is now well in the past. It’s all waiting for you this week ahead in Pittsburgh from May 4-10.
What’s Happening in Pittsburgh the Week of May 4-10
2001: A Space Odyssey at Row House Lawrenceville
Monday, May 4
Arthur C. Clarke, who worked with Stanley Kubrick to write the story that became 2001: A Space Odyssey, said of his brilliant collaborator, “He wanted to make a movie about Man’s relation to the universe — something which had never been attempted, much less achieved, in the history of motion pictures … [he] was determined to create a work of art which would arouse the emotions of wonder, awe — even, if appropriate, terror.” The wild thing: He succeeded. See for yourself this week at Row House Lawrenceville; it’s playing daily through Thursday.
Melissa Etheridge at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
Tuesday, May 5
Singer, songwriter and powerhouse performer Melissa Etheridge was among the nominees for this year’s class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. When the inductees were named, Etheridge didn’t make the cut. But, there’s a strong argument for her inclusion. Particularly some see her as a torch-bearer for old-school rock and roll in the alternative-skewing ’90s. Plus: I’m the Only One is a perfect song. Hear that one as well as plenty of other hits Tuesday night in Munhall.
JFilm Festival
Wednesday, May 6
In its fourth decade, the annual JFilm Festival finds new and remarkable films with Jewish themes from around the world. (Read more about this year’s edition.) Its in-person events are rare opportunities to see most of these films, typically available via streaming only, in cinemas. The festival continues through Sunday. On Wednesday, watch the intimate drama Bliss (a Toronto International Film Fest selection) or the comedic documentary Swedishkayt: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm. Both show at the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley.
Lunch Pail Lecture at the Frick
Thursday, May 7
How’s this for an elevated lunch break: A thoughtful conversation on the grounds of the Frick Pittsburgh. Beats eating McDonald’s in the car, doesn’t it? Bring your brown-bag lunch and then listen to Becky Gaugler of the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka tell you about the remarkable creations hidden inside an unassuming Millvale church. Just pack — and register — ahead; regrettably, the Cafe at the Frick will be closed on Thursday, so you’re on your own for food.
Dear Evan Hansen at Pittsburgh Musical Theater
Friday, May 8
It can be argued that the songwriting team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul discovered and defined the sound of the modern movie musical with their powerful, memorable songs for films including La La Land and The Greatest Showman. Their true breakthrough, however, was the Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen, an emotional powerhouse that earned six Tony Awards — part of a slate of honors that made Pasek and Paul EGOT winners (in record-breaking time). Pittsburgh Musical Theater presents the first regional production of Dear Evan Hansen at their home base, the Gargaro Theater in the West End; it’s open now and also continues through May 24.
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham at the Byham Theater
Saturday, May 9
In a repertory program, the world-renowned troupe A.I.M by Kyle Abraham — led by the Pittsburgh native and visionary choreographer — shows the range of emotions expressed by Abraham’s work, including If We Were a Love Song, an intimate and sensual piece set to the music of Nina Simone, and Meditation Reprise, a response to state-sanctioned violence against Black Americans. The one-night-only show is a fitting, can’t-miss conclusion to the 2025-26 season from the Pittsburgh Dance Council.
Jitney at Madison Arts Center
Sunday, May 10
It can be tough to witness the global impact of a Pittsburgh icon; we’re biased, after all. Here, then, is a rare chance to come face-to-face with the worldwide reach of the late August Wilson: his masterpiece Jitney will be performed this weekend in Italian, part of a tour by the companies Sardegna Teatro and La Piccionaia. (English-language supertitles will be projected, so you won’t miss anything if your Italian is a little rusty.) Only four performances are scheduled: a student matinee Friday, a Friday evening performance, a 5:30 p.m. Saturday curtain and then a Mother’s Day matinee.
Story by Sean Collier
Photos Courtesy of Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Co.